http://www.epsu.org/a/11838 A stronger social chapter in the work on energy by the European Commission is required. No only should Just Transition be an integral part of the Energy Union. Member States and the Commission should make resources available for Just Transition for example from the auctioning of emissions. The sectoral social dialogue on the energy transition should be recognised and developed. Funding should be available to assist those industries and regions that address the transition to a low or even zero carbon economy and the social impact. Workers in coal mining and fossil fuel based powerplants risk losing their jobs and in effect many EPSU unions organising workers the power sector have reported problems. Public investment in networks and in Just transition is required. Fuel poverty needs to be addressed. These were some of the proposals of the trade union side to European Commission Vice-president Maros Sefkovic, 26 November.
The ETUC and the employers organisations discussed with the Commissioner the recent proposals which are part of the State of the Energy Union published 18 November. The European Commission is asking Member States for National Energy and Climate Plans. These include a time table on the consultations that governments should undertake. These do not include consultations with the social partners. They give the appearance of a kind of energy European semester. It also has published information on employment developments as part of its benchmarks.
The EPSU General Secretary was part of the ETUC delegation. He raised the importance of involving the sectoral social partners in an early stage in proposals and across sectors. Municipalities and regions are also key stakeholders in realising the objectives of the European Energy Union.
Representatives of BusinessEurope continued to advocate for an Energy Chapter in the TTIP. This should allow for the export of shale gas to Europe. This could however also open the doors for fracking in the EU. The European Commission is supportive.
The Commission Vice-President invited the social partners to consider their position on skills development in the energy union and will continue to consult as the Energy Union progresses.
The meeting took place 26 November 2016. It was a follow up to an earlier meeting.
Advice from EPSU
